Features include an advanced search to allow businesses to search for business schools based on their areas of expertise and match these to their business needs, and contact the business school directly. Businesses can also find local and regional business support and networking events in their area where they can meet business and management academics, and other business leaders.

The site also shares success stories on how businesses have benefitted from collaboration and support from business schools such as Tangle Teezer Ltd. The famous detangling hairbrush business was rejected on Dragon’s Den but went on to become a huge success with the help of Loughborough University School of Business and Economics, who worked with Tangle Teezer to refine their marketing strategy. As a result, Tangle Teezer now offer student placements to business school students as part of their recruitment strategy.

For business schools, the website provides the platform to share knowledge and effective approaches in supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and engaging in the local economy.

Business schools have the autonomy to upload events for businesses directly onto the site, promote their areas of expertise as well as update their profiles including their contact details, all of which ensures the website is current, fresh and engaging.

Stuart Miller, Chair of the Small Business Charter and CEO of ByBox, said:

“The Small Business Charter is committed to connecting business schools with small firms to increase their chances of success. So, it is critical that we have a shop window that enables these connections to be made quickly and accurately. Not only does the new SBC website deliver that shop window, it provides access to a continuous flow of news and best practice features that will benefit everyone involved in the SME space.”

“We must congratulate the Small Business Charter upon their new website. They have kept it simple and relevant. It is more powerful for that. As a small business, we don’t have the resources to search multiple websites for the best sources of advice and knowledge. The Small Business Charter website has created a default option for us in future. A clear signpost to business schools that are proven to be exceptional in the level of the results they can help small businesses generate. Well done.”

Professor Mark Hart, Professor of Small Business and Entrepreneurship at Aston Business School, said:

“The new SBC website enables business schools across the UK and Ireland holding the Small Business Charter a greater flow of knowledge and best practice nationally, strengthening their offering for businesses in each locality. We are pleased that the SBC website raises the profile of business schools, giving SMEs better access to impactful support that will stimulate and sustain their growth over years to come.”

With the new functionalities, the website promises to be a valuable resource for both businesses and business schools including prospective entrepreneurs and business owners.